EAST met West when a party of children from the Ukraine visited the borough.

The children were guests of the Tameside and District ex-Services Association and the Royal Artillery Association who raise money for the country and invite a party each year.

Many of the 13 children, aged seven to 14, were suffering from the effects of radiation poisoning caused by the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl in 1986, but were well enough to enjoy the live music and fun at the Irish National Institute on Sunday.

Ken Dalton, chairman of the Tameside association, said he was very impressed with his Ukrainian guests.

"It was brilliant," he said. "We raised about £800."

Ken addedd: "McDonald's gave them all a Happy Meal and they got lots of free pop and crisps and I think they enjoyed themselves.

"They were all very well behaved - our kids could learn a thing or two from them.

"And their teacher, Olga, could speak better English than I can."

The children are now enjoying a trip to Wales before they go back home.